The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) is predicting an increase in lemon export volumes based on its latest tree census which has identified several new plantings.
“The excellent returns experienced from lemon exports has resulted in increased plantings of lemons, with a lot of trees now less than five years old,” said the association’s CEO, Justin Chadwick.
The same cannot be said for grapefruit as not much had been planted in the last four years.
“Grapefruit importers should ensure that they have developed good relationships with suppliers so as not to be caught short when export volumes start to fall,” cautions Chadwick.
The tree census forms part of the CGA’s 2016 Citrus Statistics, which are to be distributed to all CGA members and to The Fresh Produce Exporters' Forum.
